Question

A common slave–you know him well by sight– Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn Like twenty torches join'd, and yet his hand, Not sensible of fire, remain'd unscorch'd. What is the significance of the slave's hand not being burned?

1) It shows that the slave has a high pain tolerance.
2) It suggests that the slave has magical powers.
3) It implies that the slave is immune to fire.
4) It indicates that the slave is not aware of the fire.

Answer 1

The significance of the slave's hand not burning in the flames is that it indicates the slave is not aware of the fire, representing a detachment from pain, possibly due to the effects of traumatic experiences.

Step-by-step explanation:

The passage describes a slave whose hand, engulfed in flames, does not burn or feel pain. The correct answer to what the significance of the slave's hand not being burned is option 4) It indicates that the slave is not aware of the fire. This phenomenon does not necessarily indicate that the slave has magical powers or is immune to fire, nor does it accurately suggest a high pain tolerance since it is noted the hand remained unscathed. The slave's lack of reaction to the fire represents a detachment from the pain and harm, possibly a metaphor for the numbing effects of severe and prolonged trauma.